This reaction force should be in vehicles immediately in front of, and behind, the sensitive vehicle.
Control Vehicles. The vehicles carrying the command and control elements of the convoy and its
escort are obvious targets for the enemy. By taking these vehicles out at the onset of the attack, key
leaders are eliminated; as a result, communications and control are disrupted. The best protection of
these vehicles is to avoid a set location for them. The convoy commander and his assistant should
never be in the same area. The same is true for the security element leader and his assistant. A good
place for the convoy commander is toward the rear of the convoy. It is easier to move forward to a
trouble spot than to move rearward. Further deception can come from using a cargo vehicle as the
command vehicle, although there may be a loss of mobility.
Maintenance and Recovery Vehicles. The size of the trail party and the number of recovery vehicles
will depend on the size of the convoy and the experience of its personnel. They are usually located at
the rear of the convoy. Consideration must be given to their security during recovery operations.
Armored Escort Vehicles. The convoy commander determines the location of his organic security
vehicles, based on the advice of the security escort leader. These vehicles may be HMMWVs, armored
cargo vehicles or, in some cases, fulltracked combat vehicles. They should be dispersed throughout
the convoy where they can provide the maximum coverage. It is important that the escort leader
ensures that their fires are fully integrated and that the crews fully understand the rules of engagement.
Convoy Command, Control, and Communications
Command and Control. Command and control must be clearly stated in the operations order. This
includes the chain of command to be followed on the convoy; it also includes the relationship between
the convoy commander and the MP security element. The most common relationship is one of direct
support. This may vary with the situation.
Communications. Elements to be on each radio net should be designated to ensure proper radio use.
The number of nets required will vary with the size of the convoy. It also may be affected by the type of
terrain and the duration of the convoy. The following remarks are those that would pertain to a fairly
large convoy. In smaller convoys, some of these nets may be eliminated or consolidated.
The convoy command net should establish communications among the convoy commander, security
force commander (MP), march element commanders, and the trail party commander. Each march
element should have its own control net. That net would include the march element commander, lead
and trail elements, and the recovery vehicle. The security element should also have its own net.
Markings. There are several sets of markings that are used to assist in the identification and control of
a convoy. Control vehicles carry specific
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MP1031
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